Superintendent's Newsletter
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Dear WPS Community,
As we reach the halfway point of the school year, January offers an important moment to pause, reflect, and take pride in all that our students, staff, and community have accomplished so far. Winter has certainly made its presence known, but so has the strength, care, and connection that define Watertown Public Schools.
The recent snowstorm, which brought nearly two feet of snow to our community, tested our systems and our patience, but it also highlighted the dedication of those who keep our schools running. I am deeply grateful to the Department of Public Buildings and the Department of Public Works for their tireless efforts to clear our schools and streets and ensure that we were able to reopen safely. As we move through the cold stretch of winter, I hope families and staff are finding opportunities to enjoy the snow when possible, whether sledding, walking, or simply appreciating it from a warm place.
Earlier this month, the 26th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast brought our community together in a powerful and meaningful way. Students, families, staff, and community members gathered to listen to inspiring speakers, enjoy music performed by our students, and participate in thoughtful, student-facilitated circle discussions. Our students once again demonstrated leadership, empathy, and a deep understanding of Dr. King’s legacy, helping to create space for reflection, dialogue, and a shared commitment to equity and belonging.
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As part of our ongoing planning for the FY27 budget, the district is carefully addressing a projected $2.5 million gap between our level services needs and the City’s preliminary allocation. This work is well underway, and the administration is actively using a combination of responsible strategies and thoughtful adjustments to maintain stability across our schools. We are confident that we will be able to close this gap and present a balanced, sustainable budget in advance of the public hearing scheduled for March 23. Throughout this process, we remain committed to transparency, collaboration with the School Committee, and protecting the programs and services that are central to our mission.
Later this month, Watertown Public Schools will welcome state leaders to celebrate Massachusetts’ Farm-to-School initiatives and highlight Watertown’s leadership in this work. The visit will spotlight our fully operational hydroponic Freight Farm and our new course, Hi-Tech Farming, with 22 inaugural students. Several successful harvests have already produced fresh lettuce and greens that are being used in our schools and shared with the Community Fridge, demonstrating the strong connection between hands-on learning, sustainability, and community engagement.
As we move into February, I am mindful of both the challenges and opportunities this time of year brings, and I remain grateful for the continued support, engagement, and trust of our families, staff, and community as we move through the remainder of the school year together.
Sincerely,
Dede Galdston
Superintendent of Schools
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At its January 26 meeting, the Watertown School Committee adopted a Resolution in Support of Immigrant Students and Families, reaffirming our district’s longstanding commitment to ensuring that every student feels safe, welcome, and supported in our schools, regardless of immigration status. We recognize that recent events and national conversations have created fear and uncertainty for members of our community, and we want to be clear about our values and our practices.
Watertown Public Schools does not ask about a student’s or family’s immigration status. We do not coordinate with immigration enforcement agencies, and we do not share student records without lawful authorization. Schools are, and will remain, places of learning and care. When families feel safe sending their children to school, students can learn, grow, belong, and excel.
Our schools follow clear protocols designed to protect students and their information. Staff are trained to refer any requests for information or access to school administrators, and district leadership works closely with legal counsel to ensure our actions are aligned with state and federal law. Student data is protected, and the district fully complies with the Massachusetts Student Data Privacy Agreement, meaning that all digital tools and vendors used by WPS meet strict standards for safeguarding student information.
We also know that families may need additional support during this time. Families are encouraged to reach out to their child’s teacher, school counselor, principal, or Family Engagement Facilitator if they have questions or need assistance. In addition, we share vetted community resources and information sessions to help families understand their rights and access support. One such resource is LUCE, a trusted community hotline that provides confidential information, referrals, and support for immigrant families. LUCE is available daily from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 617-370-5023, with trained volunteers who can communicate in multiple languages.
We are proud of the inclusive community we have built together in Watertown. We remain committed to clear communication, careful leadership, and acting with both courage and responsibility as we support all students and families. If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out. We are here to help.
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WHEREAS, Watertown Public Schools (WPS) is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable,
and safe learning environment for all students and caregivers/families, regardless of race,
religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or immigration status;
WHEREAS, WPS affirms the belief that every student has the right to access high-quality
education in a safe environment that respects their dignity and rights;
WHEREAS, WPS prohibits discrimination and harassment based on protected classes;
WHEREAS, WPS maintains a strong commitment to protecting the rights of immigrant students
and their families, and ensures the following protections:
1. WPS does not ask for families’ immigration status.
2. WPS will not coordinate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
3. WPS will not allow ICE agents access to WPS facilities without a criminal judicial
warrant signed by a federal judge.
4. WPS will not share student records with ICE without parent/guardian consent or a court
order issued by a judge.
WHEREAS, WPS ensures that staff will only send students home with caregivers/family
members or friends who have been approved by the child’s parent or guardian, and encourages
parents and guardians to keep emergency contact information up-to-date by contacting their
child’s school;
WHEREAS, WPS principals and staff understand their roles and responsibilities regarding
protecting and supporting our immigrant families;
WHEREAS, WPS is proud of our strong community collaborations with organizations that
support immigrant families, and encourages families to reach out to their school’s family
engagement facilitators, counselors, and social workers for any support;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Watertown School Committee reaffirms its
commitment to protecting the rights of all students, including immigrant students, and ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students and families in Watertown Public Schools.
This resolution shall be made publicly available and communicated to all WPS families, faculty,
and staff.
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On Monday, the Watertown School Committee approved the full school year calendar for 2026-2027.
The first day of school is Tuesday, September 8, with the last day of school no later than June 28 (if all five snow days are used).
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We owe a big thank you to our custodians, maintenance staff, and the Watertown DPW for their tireless efforts in clearing snow from our school grounds, parking lots, and roads. This was a long-lasting storm with significant snowfall, and these amazing people put in hours of hard work to help us all get back to our daily routine. |
Snow banks remain high, and with more snow potentially in the forecast for the coming days, we ask that you drive extremely carefully, especially around our schools. If your child walks to school, please remind them to remain on sidewalks and avoid walking in the street. |
In the aftermath of the storm, Monday and Tuesday's presented the first true opportunity in a number of years for the students of Watertown to enjoy one of the great joys of childhood: a snow day
Across Watertown, familiar snow day scenes played out with children enjoying sledding, snowball fights, and making snowmen. Our school grounds are a great place for kids to play, whether school is in session or not.
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Information about school closures and delays will be:
*Emails, texts and calls sent out to parents and staff from the Superintendent’s office via the District’s messaging service, ParentSquare.
*Broadcast by the following news outlets:
●WCVB Television (Channel 5)
●WHDH Television (Channel 7)
●NBC Boston (Channel 10 and NECN)
●WFXT Television (Channel 25)
●WBZ Television (Channel 4)
●WBZ Radio (AM 1030)
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A few weeks ago, our food services department began using produce grown in our Freight Farm in our cafeterias, providing our students with delicious, fresh lettuce.
Production has ramped up significantly in the Freight Farm, with food supporting both our cafeterias and the Watertown Community Fridge. The High Tech farming course at Watertown High School was also launched in recent days, with students now learning about this revolutionary approach to farming.
Stay tuned for more Freight Farm updates!
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Watertown musicians brought joy and festivity to the River of Light Lantern Parade at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. The annual event serves as a much-needed celebration of light during the dark and cold winter months. |
Longtime Watertown High School wrestling coach Kevin Russo has recorded his 500th career win, the latest accolade in a coaching career that spans more than three decades.
Russo earned the win with a victory over Lincoln-Sudbury.
“I have had the pleasure of coaching some great student-athletes,” Russo said. “I have also had help from very supportive assistant coaches, parents, and administrators. I have had the support of my family and most of all, I have learned that having the responsibility of coaching and teaching high school students is extremely important. I do not take the role of ‘coach’ lightly and it holds me to a high standard.”
Russo came to Watertown in 1999 after coaching stops in Belmont and Lexington. He launched the Raiders wrestling program from scratch and now leads a team that has experienced significant statewide success. In the last two years alone, Russo has coached three wrestlers to state appearances, including state champion Tessa Master in 2024.
In 2019, Russo was inducted into the Massachusetts chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his lifetime service to wrestling. He is also a member of the Massachusetts Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame, the Watertown High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame, and the Waltham High School Athletic Hall of Fame as a wrestler.
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The Boston Herald and Boston Globe have honored three Raiders field hockey players and one soccer standout in this year's collection of All-Scholastic athletes.
Senior Sophia Setouhi earned honors from both the Globe and Herald. Sophomore Ava Anderson picked up an All-Scholastic nod from the Herald and an honorable mention from the Globe. The Globe also listed Kaylee Master as an honorable mention.
Senior Gavin Foley took home an honorable mention in boys soccer.
Congratulations!
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Earlier this month, our Unified Basketball took part in the Court of Dreams event, hosted in part by the Boston Celtics at the Auerbach Center.
As part of the event, our athletes got to work with Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, who helped them practice their passing, layups, and free throws.
Thank you to the Celtics, the Beautiful Lives Project, the Jr. Celtics Academy, and to Brad Stevens for making this a memorable day for all!
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The all-Elementary STEM night was a major success. This annual celebration of all things Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math featured fun, games, activities, and learning opportunities for Watertown's K-5 students and families.
Watertown High School AP Chemistry students, led by Ms. Mundy, also prepared and conducted a series of chemistry demonstrations.
Thank you to all those who made this fun night possible!
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Licensed Architect John Poillucci joined several WHS classrooms to discuss career opportunities within the architecture, engineering, and construction fields. He also provided in-depth content on the design and construction processes for single-family residential projects, specifically energy-efficient Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), aligned with the MA Clean Energy Center grant and the WHS High Performance Building Innovator's Club. |
Mr. Riley's Studio Television Production class partnered with our friends at Watertown Cable Access Television to put on a production of Raiders Feud, inspired by Family Feud.
Students ran every element of the show, including camera work, technical direction, audio and video mixers, and more. Students also formed two on-camera teams to play the game, alongside special guests Assistant Superintendent Peña and Principal Giacobozzi.
Thanks to Watertown Cable Access for making this fun and educational day possible for out digital media communications students!
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The Watertown High School Model UN team recently competed against 19 schools at the Seekonk High School Warrior Model United Nations Conference. The team of 22 students showed a high class of diplomacy, problem-solving, and ingenuity in coming up with solutions, earning them 6 awards and a scholarship to a Model UN summer program. |
Monday, February 9, 7 p.m. at Lowell Elementary School. |
7th, 8th, and 9th-grade students and families of Watertown are invited to attend a presentation about the career and technical education (CTE) programs for Watertown High School students.
Come to learn about how students can access career-focused/technical education in three ways:
- at Watertown High School through the CTE department programs,
- at other high schools in Massachusetts, and
- after graduating from Watertown High School.
The presentation is on Monday, February 2, at 7 pm in the WMS Auditorium.
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This is an opportunity for anyone in the community to learn about the District, ask questions and provide feedback to the Superintendent.
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Thursday, March 5. 7 p.m. in the Watertown Middle School gym. |
Dr. Dede Galdston
Superintendent, Watertown Public Schools
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